Nigeria @58: Place nation’s interest above personal, political, sectional agenda ― Aregbesola

AS the nation commemorates its 58th independence anniversary, Osun Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday tasked Nigerians, irrespective of religious divides to place the nation’s collective interest above personal, political and sectional agenda.

He maintained that Nigeria’s greatness remains unstoppable, just as he tasked Nigerians not to despair, but have renewed hope in the Nigerian project.

These were contained in the independence message of Aregbesola to Nigerians on the 58th independence anniversary, which was endorsed by his media aide, Mr Sola Fasure.

According to the message, which was forwarded to the TribuneOnline in Osogbo, the Governor said it was imperative, most especially for “the political class to put country above personal and sectional interest”, saying that “true patriotism entails making a sacrifice in the greater interest of the nation and the Nigerian people.”

ALSO READ: Nigeria at 58: Celebrating poverty

The statement reads, “I felicitate with all Nigerians on our 58th independence anniversary. I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and every person in the position of leadership in the country for being at the helm of affairs at this interesting time and for the great leadership they are providing for the country. In the long and tortuous 58 years of nationhood, we have had the good times and the challenging times.”

” We went through democratic abortion thrice, then military regimes, oil booms, a civil war and the scourge of insurgency. We still managed to produce a Nobel Laureate in Literature. The greatness of Nigerians in all walks of life is established all over the world, wherever Nigerians can find themselves.”

“That we can withstand all these blows and shocks and still be in one piece is an indication that our greatness is unstoppable, and our best is yet to come.

Nigerians should therefore not despair or be discouraged. You should have renewed hope in Nigeria’s sustainability and the emergence of a secure, prosperous and self-reliant nation.”